Volvo's new C40 Recharge 08 | 03 | 2021
VOLVO HAS ADDED a new all-electric C40 Recharge coupe-SUV to its range, part of the Swedish carmaker’s pledge to go fully electric by 2030. With a claimed range of 260-miles, production of the newcomer will start in the autumn. Oh! And you won’t be able to buy it at your nearest Volvo dealer: it’ll only be available online. (Related: Volvo XC60 goes electric)
The new crossover-shaped C40 Recharge also sees the return of the ‘C’ nomenclature, the previous models to carry the ‘C’ being the C30 hatch and C70 coupe.
It won’t have passed your notice that the newcomer has a lot in common with the XC40 Recharge. The footprint and front-end of the C40 are pretty similar to the XC40 Recharge. However the big changes are to the roofline and rear, where the designers have given the C40 its own coupe identity. (Related: New Volvo XC40 Recharge PHEV T4)
Most noticeable is the fact the rear window blends into the black roof on the pictured model, plus the redesigned LED light signatures stretch up the C-pillars. The roofline is also around 50mm lower than that of the XC40.
When it comes to the C40’s tech, it’s pretty much a cut-and-paste job from the XC40 Recharge. There’s a 78kWh battery, twin e-motors (one on each axle) producing a combined 402bhp, plus all-wheel drive and a claimed range of 260 miles. That’s the same figure now claimed by the XC40 Recharge, now that it’s received its first over-the-air update. Volvo says the C40 can be recharged up to 80% in 40 minutes. (Related: Roadtest — Volvo XC40)
Inside the cabin … well, it’ll be pretty much identical to the XC40; and that’s no bad thing. There’ll be a massive central portrait screen, plus the Android-based operating system that debuted on the Polestar 2. It’ll also be beautifully made and sculpted plus, like the XC40 Recharge, the C40 will enjoy unlimited cellular data to host those over-the-air updates.
With production not scheduled until the autumn, don’t expect to see any on the road until closer to the end of the year.
And as I said earlier, they won’t be available to buy ay Volvo’s dealership network. Instead, as the company strives to make its online buying system front and centre to the purchasing experience, you can only buy a C40 online. It will also be available as part of the company’s Care by Volvo subscription service, which includes servicing, warranty, roadside assistance, insurance and home charging options. (Related: Volvo begins 112mph top speed rollout)
Related: Roadtest — Volvo S60 T5 R-Design
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Jim McGill